Clutch and Starting

I noticed when I bought the car (new to me in the last six months but bought from a friend) that if the clutch was not pushed hard to the floor the car would not start. Problem has gotten worse the last two days. Must really slam the clutch to the ground to get it to start. This can take two or three times. Once started it's running fine.

Hello, i hope this helps (common) it sounds like the clutch switch ( attatched to clutch or behind pedal) has failed or gone out of adjustment. possably wiring connector loose on switch...good luck marty

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Hard to say, you would have to be able to prove that they did not install properly, as opposed to your driving style causing a failure. If the failure was with the clutch material then they will likely state that you have been riding the clutch (keeping your foot on the clutch pedal while driving) or engaging the clutch to slowly and allowing to slip. Your best bet if you are seeking to have it replaced would be to get another independant mechanic to have a quick look.

my wife had a 1976.5 MG midget... her clutch had something called a slave cylinder that gave her a world of problems... so it sounds like the same thing you discribed and not a pressure plate.. the pressure plate is in the transmission and not part of the clutch peddle assembly.

you have a bought a car with a worn out clutch end of story ,so take gearbox out and then take old clutch in hand to auto factor so you get the right clutch first time then fit it and you will have a nice car ,the clutch is hard to push down because the diaphramn spring in the pressure plate is working overtime because the clutch disk is worn to excess .not too difficult on this rear wheel drive car though just dirty work

there is a plastic clip that connects the clutch pedal to the rod that goes to the master cylinder, chances are that it let go. Bad thing is that it is only available from GM along with the rod. It is around 50

Getting into gear has been improved by putting in neutral with engine running to warm up fluid. The Fiero has very little room in the pedal area. I'm shifting a lot better with smaller shoes.

The problem with starting may well be related to the same issue. There is a neutral safety starting switch. If you're not pressing hard enough on the clutch - starter won't run. According to the Fierostore.com stock clutch pedals tend to bend. They sell a stronger replacement.

My Fiero has been starting just fine the last few days. The last time it didn't I was wearing boots.

I've almost always been able to get it to start using a booster battery, but Walmart's tester indicates that the battery and charging system are fine. It recommends tightening connections. I did this, but still had problems for a while.

If the clutch in your car is hydralic there is no way to adjust that type of clutch. That you describe the clutch as being hard to push and that you have to have the clutch "right down on the floor to engage a gear" is an indication that the clutch is worn and needs to be replaced. If the clutch in your car is pushed by a cable, the cable might be adjustable and if that is the case you might get a few more months of use from the car, but the fix is still the same, you will need to get a new clutch put in your car.